William Lander "Bill" Brinson

May 25, 1923 - Nov. 2, 2006



William Lander "Bill" Brinson, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on Nov. 2, 2006, at Piner's Nursing Home.

Bill was born on May 25, 1923, in Charleston, S.C., to parents Arnold Lander and Viola Elizabeth Brinson. His parents and sisters, Rosella Hinkle and Frances McCants, preceded him in death. Bill attended local schools in Charleston before enlisting in the Sea Bees during World War II. He later transferred into the U.S. Navy, where he served in the South Pacific on the USS Jason (a large repair ship). It was during this time in 1943 that he met June Castagnoli, daughter of the late Jack and Henrietta Castagnoli, a well-known Vallejo family. Although still in high school at the time, she turned out to be his future bride-to-be. During the three years Bill served in World War II, he received a commendation from Admiral Halsey for heroic efforts while serving on the USS Jason. He was also a middle-weight golden glove champion of S.C. in 1943 before earning the title of Pacific Fleet middle-weight boxing champion during the war. In addition, he held the title of senior golden gloves champion for three consecutive years.

Upon completion of his military service, he was discharged in South Carolina. He then returned to Vallejo, where he married June Castagnoli and together they raised two children: Renee and Dennis. He worked as a meat-cutter, eventually owning several markets. Through the years, Bill became a widely known businessman and real estate developer. He worked as field representative for State Senator Luther E. Gibson for many years and headed many political campaigns as well.

Together, Bill and June enjoyed extensive traveling, but their most favorite times included their six week trip to Hawaii every winter and times shared with family and friends at their Lake Tahoe and Russian River cabins. During this time, Bill also served on the Board of Directors for the Vaca Valley Bank which later became West America Bank, as well as the Transportation Board for Vallejo. As a businessman, he developed what is referred to as Yolano park, Vallejo's first corporate park. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Vallejo, where he served on the Board of Trustees. In later years, he became a member of First Presbyterian Church in Napa. He held lifetime memberships in Masonic Naval Lodge No. 87, Ben Ali Shriners, and Shriners Crippled Children. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW and the DAV. For many years, he was active in the Elks Club and Ducks Unlimited as well as a director of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and YMCA. In addition, he served on the State Water Resource's Board/Eel River Association. He also enjoyed his membership in the Odd Fellows Recreation Club. He was a member of Green Valley Country Club for over fifty years. He was an avid horseshoe player as well as golfer. He also enjoyed many years of duck hunting at the Gibson Horseshoe Duck Club.

Bill's lasting legacy was his love of family above all else. Those who knew him will always remember his positive attitude and upbeat personality. The strength and courage he demonstrated throughout his lifetime have been an inspiration to us all. We love you.

Bill is survived by his loving family: His devoted wife of 60 years, June; his daughter, Renee Brunk (husband Sandy); son, Dennis Brinson (wife Susan); grandchildren, Nicole Brunk Chandler (husband Michael) of South Carolina, William Brunk, Matthew Brinson and Megan Brinson. He also had one great-grandchild, William Michael Chandler. He is also survived by nieces, Lani Mulick of Mackey, Idaho, Lisa Indrieri of San Francisco, and Linda McCants of Charleston, S.C. He has two nephews, Donald Hinkle and Lloyd McCants Jr. of South Carolina. Bill is also survived by his loving cousin, Toni Stramm of Charleston, S.C.

The family wishes to thank Amelia Sadaam, Bill's loving care giver, as well as Jan Iverson and her caring staff at Piner's Nursing Home. There were so many special angels who gave Dad so much love. In addition, we wish to thank Dr. Thor Start, Dr. Eric Engleman, Nancy Trego N.P. at Kaiser Hospital, and especially his son-in-law, Dr. Sandy Brunk, for the many years of loving care he gave to Bill.

Friends may visit after 10 a.m. on Thursday at Twin Chapels Mortuary, 1100 Tennessee St., Vallejo. A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, at Twin Chapels Mortuary. Burial with military honors will follow at Sunrise Memorial Cemetery, 2201 Sacramento St., Vallejo. A reception celebrating Bill's life will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Crippled Children, Kidney Foundation, Diabetes Foundation, or to the donor's choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Twin Chapels Mortuary, Vallejo. 552-6696.